Pumpkin Beer Calories: Everything You Need To Know

Pumpkin beer is a seasonal beverage that is typically available during the fall. While the calorie content of pumpkin beers varies, they generally tend to have a higher calorie count compared to other beers. For example, a 12-ounce can or bottle of pumpkin ale can range from around 160 to 264 calories. Some pumpkin beers may even exceed 200 calories per serving. It's worth noting that the calorie count can differ based on the brand and the specific ingredients used in the brewing process. Additionally, the alcohol content of pumpkin beers can be higher than that of typical beers, which also contributes to the overall calorie intake.

Pumpkin beer calories vary

For example, a 12-ounce serving of Good Gourd Imperial Pumpkin Ale contains 288 calories, which is on the heavier side. On the other hand, Brooklyn Brewery's Post Road Pumpkin Ale is a low-calorie option, with only 167 calories per 12-ounce serving.

Some other popular pumpkin beers and their calorie content include Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale (186 calories per bottle), Southern Tier Brewing Company Pumking (approximately 236 calories per 12-ounce serving), and Schlafly Pumpkin Ale (264 calories per 12-ounce bottle).

It is worth noting that seasonal beers, like pumpkin beers, tend to have a higher alcohol percentage, which contributes to their higher calorie counts. While indulging in a pumpkin beer, it is important to be mindful of the calorie content, especially if you are watching your weight.

Seasonal beers have more calories

It's no secret that alcohol is calorie-dense. For every gram of alcohol, you consume seven calories. In comparison, protein has about four calories per gram, and carbohydrates have the same at four calories per gram. Alcohol is often referred to as "empty calories" because it provides no nutritional value besides the energy contained in the calories.

Seasonal beers, like the ubiquitous pumpkin beer, are especially high in calories. While the exact calorie count varies depending on the brand and brewing method, most pumpkin beers fall between 160 and 200 calories per 12 fl oz can or bottle. Some pumpkin beers, like the Schlafly Pumpkin Ale, contain as many as 264 calories per 12 oz bottle. These beers also tend to have a higher alcohol percentage, which contributes to the overall calorie count.

For example, the Sam Adams "20 Pounds of Pumpkin" beer has 199 calories and 5.7% alcohol, while their Light offering has just 119 calories. The higher alcohol percentage in seasonal beers can increase the calorie count by 20% or more when compared to mass-market American brews, which typically have around 5% alcohol.

Another factor contributing to the high calorie count in pumpkin beers is the use of natural ingredients and spices. Many pumpkin beers are brewed with real pumpkin, which, although not particularly calorie-dense, adds to the overall calorie count. The addition of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice enhances the flavour profile but may also contribute to the calorie density.

If you're looking to indulge in a seasonal beer, it's important to be mindful of the higher calorie content. These beers can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, but if you're watching your calorie intake, it's best to opt for lower-calorie options or practice portion control by drinking water between sips.

Pumpkin beers with lowest calories

Pumpkin beers are a seasonal treat, but they often come with a high number of calories. While many mass-market American brews are around 5% alcohol, most fall beers have a higher alcohol percentage, which means they also have more calories.

Brooklyn Brewery's Post Road Pumpkin Ale

This beer has just 167 calories per 12-ounce serving, according to Brooklyn Brewery. It's free of artificial flavourings and colourings, and it's made with real pumpkin.

Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale

Blue Moon's Pumpkin Ale has 186 calories per bottle. It's a medium-bodied brew with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

Sam Adams "20 Pounds of Pumpkin"

Sam Adams' pumpkin offering has 199 calories and 19 grams of carbs per bottle. It's made with over 17 pounds of real pumpkin per barrel and has a distinctive flavour from classic pumpkin pie spices.

Shock Top Pumpkin Beer

Shock Top Pumpkin Beer has 162 calories per 12 fl. oz can or bottle.

Rogue's Pumpkin Patch Ale

Although I couldn't find the exact calorie count for this beer, it's mentioned as a lower-calorie option compared to Pumpkick by New Belgium Brewery, which has 180 calories.

While indulging in a pumpkin beer, it's important to keep in mind that alcohol itself is high in calories, and these beers often have a higher alcohol content than regular beers.

Pumpkin beers with highest calories

Pumpkin beers are a seasonal treat, but they often come with a high number of calories. Here is a list of pumpkin beers with the highest calories:

Avery Rumpkin

With a staggering 543 calories per bottle, this beer tops the list. It has an alcohol content of 18%, which is comparable to some spirits. To put it into perspective, this beer has more calories than some fast-food hamburgers.

Lagunitas Brown Shugga

This sweet beer is made with brown sugar and advertised as "dangerously slammable". With 295 calories and 9.8% alcohol, it has triple the calories of a mass-market light beer.

Southern Tier Pumking

A bottle of this pumpkin brew has 258 calories, which is more calories than three cups of pureed pumpkin! It has an alcohol content of 8.6%.

Cigar City Good Gourd

This highly-rated beer (98/100) has 255 calories and an alcohol content of 9.6%. It has more calories than a Snickers bar.

Founders Breakfast Stout

This unique brew, with flavours of oats, chocolate and coffee, has 249 calories and an alcohol content of 8.3%. It is highly rated, receiving a perfect score on Ratebeer.

Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale

With 240 calories and an alcohol content of 8%, this pumpkin ale will certainly give you a bump in calories.

Schlafly Pumpkin Ale

This delicious St. Louis-born brew has 240 calories, which is more than double the calories of Bud Light. It has an alcohol content of 8%.

Flying Dog "The Fear" Imperial Pumpkin Ale

With 270 calories and 9% alcohol, this beer is definitely one to watch out for if you're counting calories.

While these beers may be indulgent, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Pumpkin beers with health benefits

Pumpkin beers are a popular seasonal beverage, but do they offer any health benefits? While the changing leaves and cooler weather might make you want to curl up with a pumpkin beer, it's important to consider the health implications.

First, let's address the calorie content. Pumpkin beers can range from under 200 calories to almost 600 calories per serving. For example, the Sam Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale has 199 calories, while the Avery Rumpkin has a whopping 543 calories. Most pumpkin beers fall somewhere in between, with the Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale containing 186 calories and the Brooklyn Brewery's Post Road Pumpkin Ale coming in at 167 calories. So, if you're watching your weight, it's important to be mindful of the calorie content and consume these beers in moderation.

Now, let's explore the potential health benefits. Unfortunately, health professionals agree that there are no significant health benefits associated with consuming pumpkin beers. While pumpkins themselves are nutritious and packed with vitamins and minerals, the benefits do not translate into pumpkin-flavoured beers. Most pumpkin ales contain only small amounts of real pumpkin, and the flavour often comes from added spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. So, while you might get a hint of the nutritional benefits of pumpkin, they are not present in meaningful amounts.

However, it's worth noting that craft beers, which include many pumpkin beers, tend to be made in smaller batches by smaller breweries. This means they may use higher-quality ingredients and have fewer additives or preservatives than mass-produced beers. Additionally, like other beers, pumpkin beers contain B vitamins like niacin, folate, and riboflavin, which can have some health benefits.

In conclusion, while pumpkin beers may not offer significant health benefits, they can be enjoyed as an occasional treat. If you're looking for a healthier option, opt for a lower-calorie pumpkin beer and remember to consume it in moderation.